TOPIC: DLP Projection Systems

We have been retained to design multiplex cinemas in other countries, where our operator client is interested in building all-digital cinemas. These will be venues of between 75 to 125 seats, in locations where space is at a premium, or where conventional 35mm prints are not viable, or not readily available.

I have been trying to get information on the space standards required for the projection booth, with specifications and dimensions of the equipment required, and have been unable to get anything.

I would think your client would be the one to get the info from. After all, he's the one who knows exactly what equipment he is putting in...OR at least he can put you in contact with the equipment company so you can do the proper specs..

Remember, a small screen doesn't mean you can settle for lower resolution. It's the viewing angle to the screen (image magnification to the retina of the eye) that counts. Standard SMPTE 196M specifies 2 to 4 times the image height as the preferred viewing distance. Many theatres successfully seat customers 1 screen height from a 35mm print image, but with current 1280 x 1024 pixel digital technology, I find the pixel structure and "jaggies" become very apparent that close to the screen.
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Customer Technical Services
Entertainment Imaging
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Eastman Kodak Company
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1. Leave the same space in the booth that you would use for a conventional 35mm projection system. This will allow for the biggest system, easy service and extra storage where the platter will not have to be. Also it would leave them an option if they need to go 35mm in the future.

2. Don't build a booth at all. Ceiling mount the video projector. The medium Christie roadsters, and Barco's can be ceiling mounted. Put the sound racks and servers in a centrally located, air-conditioned space. Rooms that small will not need the largest, most expensive video projectors.

3. I would worry that if they can't get 35mm product, how will they get digital cinema product? Sounds like one of those DVD places to me. But they did engage an architect.

Remember none but the large console mounted projectors will handle any of the DCinema platforms currently propossed.
All require the decryption to be in the physical projector head SO the booth size will be almost a regular booth size less the platter space
As for the Roadsters et all they are single chip machines and again don't really measure up

Also what is there proposed source of content as to date the requirments of the only two conduits of content delivery Technicolor and Boing have fairly large minimum requirments that sucha small room could not afford
And if they are thinking of just off DVD then think again as in most countrys the DVD rights are exclusivly with a different company than who has public exhibituion rights